I HAVE never been a fan of Brigada Eskwela.
It was first implemented during the term of Bro. Armin Luistro (Department of Education, 2010-2016) who tried to coerce tax-paying parents into undertaking time-consuming tasks such as maintenance activities in schools. These would be done more effectively by paid professionals.
It seems that DepEd is now also having doubts about Brigada Eskwela.
DepEd Undersecretary Revsee Escobedo recently issued a memorandum withdrawing the implementing guidelines for this activity.
“There will be no certificate of recognition given to school heads and teachers,” he said.
***
In June last year, President BongBong Marcos sought the views of his Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio on the K-12 program implemented in Republic Act 10533 in 2013.
My concern is that the extra two years of high school embodied in the K-12 program (compared to the previous 1982 legislation) does not seem to be producing tangible benefits. For example, employers are not confirming that K-12 graduates are better equipped for employment than their predecessors.
In 2011, prior to K-12 implementation, Sen. Ralph Recto carried out a survey on high school education. The survey found that stakeholders were not supportive of a six-year high school programme (which, of course, was introduced by K-12).
In June 2022, President BongBong Marcos sought the views of Sara Duterte-Carpio about the efficacy of the K-12 program. Her responses, if gathered from a wide range of educational experts, could provide much food for thought.
***
Meanwhile, DepEd has just put forward a new subject that merges social studies, culture, history, and physical education for students in their first four years of education (K-3). This area of learning – called Sibika, Kultura, Kasaysayan at Kagalingang Pangkatawan (SIKaP) – is among the new features included in the draft 2022 Basic Education Curriculum now being put forward for public review.
The challenge for our students is to have a better understanding of what is being taught. This, of course, is also a challenge for our teachers. Successful implementation of the K-3 revised program which merges social studies, arts, and PE would result in students attaining greater competency in basic literacy and numeracy.
This in turn would provide a stronger platform for students to make a better progress in Grades 4 and beyond.
What is needed is for students to better understand what is being taught. Regular testing and examinations are necessary. Teachers need to be enthused so they, in turn, can motivate our students.
We hope this will be successful./PN
